Also this issue: Trading Spaces Fleisher/Ollman Gallery celebrates a milestone anniversary with a change of location. -Susan Hagen Degas Vu The Art Museum transports you back to Degas' world. -Robin Rice Ballet Lessons A dance critic's perspective on “Degas and the Dance.” -Janet Anderson 19th Annual Celebration of Black Writing -Elisa Ludwig Concerts for the Community -David Shengold Tango Buenos Aires -Deni Kasrel Jeanne Ruddy Dance -Deni Kasrel The Dreyfuss Affair: A Love Story -David Anthony Fox

February 13-19, 2003

artpicks

The Magic Flute

by Steve Cohen

In Mozart's The Magic Flute, the character of Sarastro is a father figure who exudes kindliness and religiosity. But Keith Miller, who plays the part in the Academy of Vocal Arts' new production, has a different background. He's more into bone-crushing and slamming opponents to the ground. Before he made a career change, Miller was a football player in the XFL and on the reserve squads of the Oakland Raiders in 2000 and the Denver Broncos in 2001.

Miller was the star of the University of Colorado team for three years and had never studied music. Then, on a date, he attended Phantom of the Opera, got hooked on musical theater and started to study voice. His first professional engagements were just last year, as Juan Peron in Evita and supporting roles in several operas. Miller, 29, is a freshman at AVA. He turned down a football contract for this season to devote himself full-time to his new career.

"What I miss most is the smell of the grass, seeing the stadium lights on a cold night and making your first hit, when your teeth snap together and you go into a concentrated state," he says.

Mozart and his librettist, Lorenzo da Ponte, set this opera in ancient Egypt. AVA Director Ken Cazan updates to India during the last years of British rule. Mozart's hero, Tamino, is an English prince on a journey through his provinces. Playing the role is AVA alum Richard Troxell, who returns to the school after starring in the Opera Company of Philadelphia production of La Perichole last season and in the film version of Madama Butterfly.

The Magic Flute, Feb. 15-22, Academy of Vocal Arts, 1920 Spruce St.; Feb. 25-27, Centennial Hall, The Haverford School, 450 Lancaster Ave., Haverford. $30-$75, 215-735-1685.